The Chicago Cubs haven’t dealt with any major injuries so far in spring training, but they still have a few players who haven’t appeared in games. That’s expected to change this week, as Ben Zobrist among others are on track to make their spring debuts soon.
Zobrist came to Mesa a month ago with a positive outlook for the 2018 season, following what was the worst year of his career since his first couple seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. Zobrist had a .232/.318/.375 slash line and was replaced as the regular starting second baseman by Javier Baez. Zobrist dealt with some injuries in 2017, and at 36-years-old he was hoping to begin 2018 without any setbacks.
Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case for Zobrist, who hasn’t played in a Cactus League game yet and was held out of workouts at the start of spring training because of back issues. However, the back stiffness has cleared up and Zobrist is scheduled to play on Tuesday.
#Cubs Zobrist says he expects to play Tue
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 4, 2018
You may see Zobrist leadoff, as Cubs manager Joe Maddon is considering several players for that position in the lineup.
Fans will also get their first look at free agent pitchers Brandon Morrow and Yu Darvish this week. Morrow said he’s only expected to pitch in five or six games during spring training. The projected closer for the Cubs in 2018, will also appear in his first game Tuesday.
Cubs Brandon Morrow said he was throwing to hitters today and will pitch in a Cactus League game Tuesday . Cubs said he would get 5 or 6 Spring training outings.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) March 2, 2018
Meanwhile, Darvish was scratched from his first spring training start last week, but is on track to start on Tuesday as well. Darvish pitched a bullpen session instead of starting last week.
If you're looking ahead (and have tickets to upcoming games), #Cubs will stay in rotation order so Lester tomorrow; Hendricks on Mon; Yu on Tue; Q on Wed; Chatwood on Thu
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 3, 2018
Right-handed reliever Pedro Strop hasn’t appeared in a game yet and that’s because he’s dealing with a calf issue in his left leg. Nothing serious though.
In other notes, Kris Bryant came back from feeling ill and looked just fine in his first spring training at bat.
Kris Bryant is feeling just fine #Cubs pic.twitter.com/Co8RNVYzxQ
— North Side Update (@NsUpdate) March 2, 2018
Bryant has three hits and a walk in six plate appearances after missing the first week of action. So, I think he’s more than ready for Opening Day.
Jason Heyward is batting leadoff again Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks and it’s no accident. Maddon said earlier this week that Heyward is being considered for that spot.
Today. Will discuss all on espn 1000 at 10 CT pic.twitter.com/hBWH0EIGmH
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) March 4, 2018
And we’ll end on a positive. As small as a feat that it may appear to be, left-handed reliever Justin Wilson hasn’t walked a hitter through his first two appearances in spring training. Baby steps! Cubs fans will take it from Wilson, who was atrocious after he was traded to Chicago last year by the Detroit Tigers. Wilson walked 19 batters in 17.2 innings with the Cubs.
Justin Wilson with another solid inning of work today (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K, 0 BB) to bring his Spring Training total to 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 K, 0 BB.
— Cubs Insider (@realcubsinsider) March 3, 2018
Anyway, today’s Cubs game will be televised. It’ll be on FSA and available on MLB.TV.
